Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The open circuit potential (OCP) of stainless steels immersed in natural waters generally increases with time. This phenomenon is strongly linked to the formation of a bio-film on the surface. Several studies have proved that the bio-film modifies the reaction of reduction of dissolved oxygen and that it acts mainly on the cathodic processes. One of the hypotheses explaining the action of the bio-film involves certain bacteria which use dissolved oxygen and extracellular enzymes to produce reactive oxygen species. Among this kind of metabolites is hydrogen peroxide H{sub 2}O{sub 2}. This compound interacts with the passive layer of stainless steels and affects their electrochemical behaviour, even when the chloride concentration is low. The aim of this work is to study the influence of an enzymatic reaction (of the oxidoreductase type) on anodic and cathodic processes on AISI 316L stainless steel. Experiments are carried ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

AISI 316L stainless steel was welded by the electron beam (EB) and laser techniques. Microstructural characteristics, hardness profile, creep rupture properties and creep damage of the welds were investigated. Fully austenitic microstructure was obtained in the two welds. The solidification structure of the welds consisted of the cellular and equiaxed dendrites. The creep rupture lives of the two welds were almost the same, and they were reduced by a factor of about two compared to the base metal. Moreover, the rupture elongation of the welds was lower than that of the base metal. Creep damage was observed in the ''parting'' region of the welds and in the heat-affected zone (HAZ), respectively. Final creep fracture occurred in the ''parting'' region of the welds. (orig.).

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Chromium electroplated AISI 316L stainless steel was nitrided using inductively coupled plasma (ICP) for application in the bipolar plate of a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC). A continuous and thin chromium nitride layer was formed at the surface of the samples after ICP nitriding for 2 h at 400 C. The interfacial contact resistance (ICR) and corrosion resistance in simulated PEMFC operating conditions were higher than the required values, while they varied with the applied dc bias voltage during the nitriding process. The ICR value decreased with an increase in bias voltage. Potentiodynamic polarization measurements showed that all of the nitrided samples had excellent corrosion resistance with a current density of {proportional_to}10{sup -7} A cm{sup -2} at the cathode. It was also found that the oxygen content at the surface was not increased after the corrosion test. X-ray diffractometry (XRD), field ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The formation and breakdown of the passive films on stainless steels are mainly controlled by ionic and electronic transport processes. Both these processes are in part controlled by the electronic properties of the oxide film. Consequently, it is vital to gain a detailed perception of the electronic properties of the passive films together with structural and compositional information for a comprehensive understanding of mechanisms behind passivity and localised corrosion. As a step towards this goal the passive films formed on two main austenitic stainless steels AISI 316L and AISI 304L in borate solution were characterised by in situ Raman spectroscopy and photocurrent spectroscopy coupled with electrochemical measurements. This revealed the formation of an Fe-Cr spinel as the dominant constituent in the passive films with more Cr enrichment in the oxide film on ...

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

It is shown that multipole dislocation configurations can arise during power-law creep of certain austenitic stainless steels. These multipoles have been analysed in some detail for two particular steels (Alloy 800 and a modified AISI 316L) and it is suggested that they arise either during instantaneous loading or during the primary creep stage. Trace analysis has shown that the multipoles are confined to {1 1 1} planes during primary creep but are not necessarily confined to these planes during steady-state creep unless they are pinned by interstitials.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

In 2001, EFDA has assigned to ENEA a contract for the thermomechanical testing of six mock-ups of the ITER primary wall module. These small scale mock-ups, reproducing representative portions of the reference ITER primary wall panels, were fabricated during ITER EDA phase by solid hot isostatic pressing (HIPping) of an AISI 316L stainless steel back structure to a alumina dispersion strengthened (DS)-Cu alloy heat sink armored with beryllium tiles. The experimental program, carried-out at ENEA Brasimone CEF 1-2 thermal hydraulic facility, was focused on the thermal mechanical testing of these mock-ups aiming at verifying which tile geometry and manufacturing procedure assures the required reliability of the beryllium/DS-Cu alloy/SS joints at high incident heat flux (>0.8 MW/m"2) both at steady state and under thermal fatigue tests. The paper presents the progress in the experimental activity of the first test campaign ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Chromium nitride/Cr coating has been deposited on surface of 316L stainless steel to improve conductivity and corrosion resistance by physical vapor deposition (PVD) technology. Electrochemical behaviors of the chromium nitride/Cr coated 316L stainless steel are investigated in 0.05 M H{sub 2}SO{sub 4}+2 ppm F{sup -} simulating proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) environments, and interfacial contact resistance (ICR) are measured before and after potentiostatic polarization at anodic and cathodic operation potentials for PEMFC. The chromium nitride/Cr coated 316L stainless steel exhibits improved corrosion resistance and better stability of passive film either in the simulated anodic or cathodic environment. In comparison to 316L stainless steel with air-formed oxide film, the ICR between the chromium nitride/Cr ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

We propose a dissolution-passivation model to account for the electrochemical behavior of Alloy 800 and 316L stainless steel under steam generators operating conditions. This model is similar to the one defined for nickel, considering the known importance of this element on the studied alloys. The comparison of the rates of the elementary steps points out the favorable influence of dissolved oxygen and phosphate ions on the dissolution of Alloy 800, even in the presence of chloride ions. The sensitivity of 316L SS is greater, especially because of the lowest stability of oxide-like intermediate.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

... University, Fracture and Reliability Research Institute, Sendai, Miyagi (Japan)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

In order to investigate the role of amorphous SiO{sub 2} particles in corrosion and wear resistance of Ni-based metal matrix composite alloying layer, the amorphous nano-SiO{sub 2} particles reinforced Ni-based composite alloying layer has been prepared by double glow plasma alloying on AISI 316L stainless steel surface, where Ni/amorphous nano-SiO{sub 2} was firstly predeposited by brush plating. The composition and microstructure of the nano-SiO{sub 2} particles reinforced Ni-based composite alloying layer were analyzed by using SEM, TEM and XRD. The results indicated that the composite alloying layer consisted of {gamma}-phase and amorphous nano-SiO{sub 2} particles, and under alloying temperature (1000 deg. C) condition, the nano-SiO{sub 2} particles were uniformly distributed in the alloying layer and still kept the amorphous structure. The corrosion resistance of composite alloying layer was investigated by an ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The goal of the present work has been to clarify the influence of sulphate ions on the oxide films formed on stainless steel and Ni-based alloys in simulated crack chemistry conditions using different ex situ analytical techniques. The main observations of this work can be summarised as follows: The thickness of the films formed in simulated oxygen-free crack chemistry conditions during an exposure of circa 4 days varies roughly in the range 200..500 nm, which corresponds to observations reported in the literature [2]. The presence of 10000 ppb sulphate ions in simulated crack tip conditions seems to lead to a considerably lower thickness of the oxide films when compared to sulphate-free conditions. The presence of 10000 ppb sulphate ions leads also to considerable changes in the morphology of the oxide crystals on the material samples. In the absence of sulphate the outer oxide layer contains elongated round-edged crystals, while in the presence of sulphate ions the crystals are ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Research highlights: {yields} The polarization curve of 316L SS possesses five turning potentials in passive region. {yields} Films formed at turning potentials perform different electrochemical and semiconductor properties. {yields} Dissolutions and regenerations of passive film at turning potentials are obtained by AAS and XPS. {yields} Turning potentials appearing in passive region are ascribed to the changes of the compositions of the passive films. - Abstract: The passivity of 316L stainless steel in borate buffer solution has been investigated by Mott-Schottky, atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The results indicate that the polarization curve in the passive region possesses several turning potentials (0 V{sub SCE}, 0.2 V{sub SCE}, 0.4 V{sub SCE}, 0.6 V{sub SCE} and 0.85 V{sub SCE}). The passive films formed at turning potentials perform different ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Azobenzene dyes are effective inhibitors for austenitic 304 L and 316 L stainless steel corrosion in high acidic medium up to 7N. A good efficiency is obtained from weight loss and electrochemical Rsub(p) measurements in hydrochloric acid, while no inhibition is observed in sulfuric solutions. Transformation from the primarily azobenzene to other compounds give rise to enhanced protection of steel samples, and probable structures of the inhibiting species are proposed in view of our results.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The experiments show that the fluence threshold of 316L SS irradiated by 1.8 MeV alpha particle is between (0.8655-1.3457) x 10"1"8 #alpha#/cm"2, and the threshold decreases in the 1.5 MeV and 1.0 MeV alpha particle irradiation. For the solid solution samples irradiated by 1.5 MeV alpha particle, the threshold is below 0.5595 x 10"1"8#alpha#/cm"2, and for the 20% cold-worked sample, the threshold is between (0.8595-0.5063) x 10"1"8 #alpha#/cm"2. In 1.0 MeV alpha particle irradiation, the threshold for the solid solution sample and 20% cold-worked sample is between (0.3073-0.1024) x 10"1"8 #alpha#/cm"2 and (0.4108-0.3063) x 10"1"8 #alpha#/cm"2 respectively. The difference of threshold of the two kinds of samples shows that the 20% cold-working can influence the occurrence of blistering

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Samples of 316L stainless steel, Vitalium and Ti6A14V titanium alloy have been implanted with doses of 1.5, 3, and 4.5 x 10"1"7 Si"+/cm"2. Transmission electron microscopy shows that during ion implantation amorphous layers are formed. When samples of titanium alloy were implanted with a dose of 0.5 x 10"1"7 Si"+/cm"2, the implanted layer consisted of a dispersion of fine silicide crystallites instead of being amorphous. The corrosion resistance was analyzed by electrochemical techniques in 0.9% NaCl at the temperature of 37 C. The increase of corrosion resistance has been observed as a result of structural modifications of the surface layer. (author). 7 refs, 4 tabs.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

In the framework of the European Fusion Technology Programme ECN participates in a NET task PSM-8 `Coatings and Surface Effects on Stainless Steel 316L`. High emissivity coatings were developed for enhanced heat transfer from graphite tiles to a Stainless Steel First Wall. Four candidate materials, Cr{sub 2}O{sub 3}, Black Cr, Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}/TiO{sub 2} and TiC were tested as candidate high emissivity coatings. These coatings were manufactured by atmospheric and vacuum plasma spraying technique and the Black Chromium coatings were manufactured by a galvanic coating technique. The tests included total emissivity measurements and Low Cycle Fatigue (LCF) experiments. The total emissivity of two TiC coatings at 525 K appeared to be 0.62 and 0.64. The total emissivity of the TiC and 5 wt% TiO{sub 2}/Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} coating was about 0.7. (orig.)

Science.gov (United States)

Lipase catalyzed esterification of therapeutic drugs to functional self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) on 316L stainless steel (SS) after assembly has been demonstrated. SAMs of 16-mercaptohexadecanoic acid (-COOH SAM) and 11-mercapto-1-undecanol (-OH SAM) were formed on 316L SS, and lipase catalysis was used to attach therapeutic drugs, perphenazine and ibuprofen, respectively, on these SAMs. The reaction was carried out in toluene at 60 degrees C for 5 h using Novozyme-435 as the biocatalyst. The FTIR spectra after surface modification of -OH SAMs showed the presence of the C=O stretching bands at 1745 cm(-1), which was absent in the FTIR spectra of -OH SAMs. Similarly, the FTIR spectra after the reaction of the -COOH SAM with perphenazine showed two peaks in the carbonyl region, a peak at 1764 cm(-1), which is the representative peak for the C=O stretching for esters. The second peak at 1681 cm(-1) is ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Despite advances in polymer and drug technology, the underlying stent platform remains a key determinant of clinical outcome. A clear understanding of stent design and the differences between various stent platforms are of increasing importance for the interventional cardiologist. Reduction in stent strut thickness has been associated with improved stent deliverability, improved procedural outcome, and lower rates of subsequent restenosis. Newer-generation 316L-SS stent designs have enabled reduced strut thickness while retaining radial strength and minimizing recoil, but with significant loss of radiopacity, leading to reduced visibility. Cobalt chromium alloys have enabled a reduction in stent strut thickness to around 80?90 mm while retaining modest radiopacity, but due to higher elasti...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Photocurrent and capacitance measurements of semiconductor passive films formed on metals and alloys can be used to study the electronic properties and reveal indirect information about structure and composition. The current work used these techniques to investigate the electronic properties of the passive films formed on three austenitic stainless steels, types 304L, 316L and 254SMO, in borate. Evidence was found for the existence of a large number of localised mid bandgap states, consistent with amorphous oxides. However, the flat-band potentials of the austenitic stainless steel passive films were found to be independent of both composition and measuring frequency. The most credible explanation for the bandgap values determined from photocurrent measurements is that the passive films are formed as dual layers, iron oxide outer layer and chromium oxide inner layer. This model does not need to evoke the potential dependent bandgaps used by ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This work was initiated to examine the effect of frequency and treatment temperature on the formation of nitrided layers and surface characteristics during plasma nitriding. Plasma nitriding experiments were performed with 316L austenitic stainless steel at the temperatures 400 .deg. C and 500 deg. C using a pulsed d.c. plasma with various frequencies in an atmosphere of N{sub 2}-H{sub 2} gas mixture. The microstructure and thickness of the nitrided layer and morphology of the nitrided surface were investigated using OM, SEM, XRD, EDS and AFM. XRD patterns revealed that the surface layer formed at 400 deg. C consisted of S phase only and CrN+Fe{sub 4}N nitrides at 500 .deg. C and no change of phase composition with frequency was observed. The compound layer thickened slightly with increased frequency. Also, the surface roughness increased as the frequency of the pulsed plasma increased from 50 to 5,000Hz.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

In this work, the effects of substrate temperature that was changed from 100 to 500 "oC on the structural, chemical and electrical properties of carbon films, prepared by direct current magnetron sputtering technique, on 316L stainless steel as bipolar plate had been investigated. Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were performed to study the structure and the morphology of the deposited films, respectively. The corrosion resistance and the electrical resistivity were carried out by using corrosion tests and four point-probe technique. The results show that the carbon films change the structure from amorphous to graphite-like by increasing temperatures. At the temperatures higher than 300 "oC, the holes and porosities are formed on the film indicating a decrease of film quality. According to our results, corrosion resistance and electrical properties are depended strongly on the substrate temperature.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Modelization of crack propagation and theoretical prediction of rupture are the two main objectives of researchers in stress corrosion cracking. Nevertheless, to reach this aim, the behavior of the passive film which appears spontaneously on the substrate in contact with an environment has to be known. This structural and mechanical characterization is all the more difficult because the number of parameters is important: crystallinity rate, defects concentration, thickness (about a few nanometers), electric field, chemical composition (a lot of oxides are present), peeling layers (atomic structure for example) and some hypothesis can be made about their multi-layer structure, their chemical composition or their epitaxial character... Passive films formed on 316L or 304L stainless steels in different aqueous solutions (in ambient air, in MgCl{sub 2} at 117 deg. C...) have been studied and some important remarks about their mechanical properties ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The study by impedance and photoelectrochemical measurements of passive films formed on an AISI 304 type stainless steel shows that important parameters of the electronic structure of these films are modified under ..cap alpha.. irradiation, namely: width of the space charge region, donors concentration and diffusion length for minority carriers. The consequences of ..cap alpha.. irradiation on localized corrosion processes are discussed.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

AISI 5140 steel was plasma nitrided at various gas mixtures of nitrogen, hydrogen, and argon to investigate the actions of hydrogen and argon on plasma nitriding. The structural and mechanical properties of ion-nitrided AISI 5140 steel have been assessed by evaluating composition of phases, surface hardness, compound layer thickness, and case depth by using X-ray diffraction (XRD), microhardness tests, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). It was found that the growth of compound layer can be controlled and the diffusion improved when the gas mixture includes H_2 gas. Additionally, it was determined that the amount of Ar in dual gas mixture must be at 20% minimum to obtain distinctive surface hardness and compound layer thickness.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

About ten years ago microbiologically influenced corrosion manifested on stainless steel pipes used with river water for cooling a chemical plant. The pipe material was similar to Type 316 L. After only six weeks of operation pinhole leaks occurred nearly simultaneously at several welded joints of the pipe. The material degradation was simulated in laboratory and field corrosion tests. Microbiologically influenced corrosion failures also appeared on the pipes of a tubular heat exchanger of duplex steel Type 31803 and on carbon and stainless steel pipes in industrial waste water purification plants after these plants had been modernized with a biological purification unit. The basics of microbiologically influenced corrosion phenomena and typical corrosion failures of pipes will be described. (orig.) [German] Vor etwa zehn Jahren sind in einer neu errichteten chemischen Produktionsanlage an einer mit Flusswasser beaufschlagten Kuehlwasserleitung ...

Science.gov (United States)

An American Society of Mechanical Engineers task group on stainless steel weld materials was organized to determine the need for ferrite measurements of production welds required by the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission Regulatory Guide 1.31 (Rev. 1). The task group studied paired ferrite measurements (i.e., calculated and measured ferrite numbers (FNs) for the material qualifications versus measured ferrite numbers for corresponding production welds (PWs)). Our purpose was to compare delta-ferrite content as measured in the filler metal weld qualification pad with that in the resultant PW. Welds made predominantly by three common processes (submerged arc, shielded metal arc, and gas tungsten arc) were included in the study. Weld metals investigated included types 308, 308L, 316, and 316L stainless steel. An initial evaluation of the paired ferrite measurements was made by the task group, and specific conclusions and recommendations were made. ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Moss-Schottky plots and photoelectrochemical measurements were made on films formed at different potentials on AISI 304 stainless steel in a borate/boric acid solution, pH 9.2. The results allowed the determination of the semiconductive properties and band structure of the films, which account for the existence of two kinds of films depending on the formation potential. For potentials below 0 V (SCE), the results point out for a film with an inverse spinel structure constituted by Cr-substituted magnetite with two donor levels. Above 0 V only one donor level is detected, which should be Fe{sup 2 +} on tetrahedral sites.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

In the present investigation, the properties of plasma nitrided AISI 304 steel were studied by changing the presence of nitrogen in the gas mixture. The plasma nitriding was performed at temperature -560 deg C, pressure -4 mbar and duration 24 hours. The nitrided samples were characterized by evaluating the phase composition, micro hardness, and diffusion layer thickness. The phase analysis indicates the mixed phases of CrN and Fe_3N, Fe_3N and Fe_4N which has the highest intensity. The results show the glow discharge plasma nitriding in presence of N_2 (80 vol. %) and H_2 (rest) produced higher hardness as well as higher case depth. (author)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Samples of austenitic stainless steel AISI 316 were nitrided using the cathodic cage technique with the addition of methane in the nitriding atmosphere. The aim was to study the influence of this technique in reducing the precipitation of chromium nitrite and in improving the wear resistance. The results show that there was a significant improvement in such properties when compared to the results of ionic plasma nitriding. Formation of a double layer, one more internal composed of carbon and another with high nitrogen content, was confirmed by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The microhardness profile of the layer showed an increase in hardness values and a larger uniformity, while X-ray analysis showed less chromium nitriding precipitation when compared with results obtained for samples treated using ionic plasma nitriding.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Interest in the tribological properties of plasma nitriding has increased substantially over the past years because plasma nitriding provides a high nitride depth and improved hard facing. The present study examines the tribological properties of AISI H11 plasma nitrided, hot-worked steel. Different nitriding temperatures and durations were considered. Characterization of the composite structures was investigated with wear tests, x-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and microhardness tests. The depth profile of the nitrided zone was measured using the nuclear reaction analysis (NRA) technique. Plasma nitriding affected the microhardness, wear properties, and morphology considerably. Increase in process temperature increased the nitride zone depth.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

In this work AISI 1045 steel were duplex treated via plasma nitriding of chromized layer. Samples were pack chromized by using a powder mixture consisting of ferrochromium, ammonium chloride and alumina at 1273K for 5h. The samples were then plasma-nitrided for 5h at 803K and 823K, in a gas mixture of 75%N2+25%H2. The treated specimens were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis and Vickers micro-hardness test. The thickness of chromized layer before nitriding was about 8mm and it was increased after plasma nitriding. According to XRD analysis, the chromized layer was composed of chromium and iron carbides. Plasma nitriding of chromized layer resulted in the formation of chromium and iron nitrides and carbides. The hardness of the duplex layer...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Preliminary observations on the isothermal carbon transfer in low-carbon Alloy-800 exposed in sodium with AISI-304 type of steel at 550_0 are reported. The alloy was found to undergo a carburization comparable or slightly lower than that observed for the AISI-304 stainless steel for carbon activities above 6 x 10 /sup -3/ at 550_0C, but was not found to decarburize below such a carbon activity value. In the examined range the chemical composition of the alloys does not affect the process out of the experimental uncertainty of measure. Conclusions concerning the effective diffusion for carbon in the alloy are formulated. Preliminary relationships were found for an empirical evaluation of the carburization of the Alloy-800 in sodium of known carbon activity.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

In this study samples of AISI 4140 steel were pretreated by plasma nitriding and coated with two different physical vapour deposited coatings (TiN and TiAlN). A hardened AISI 4140 sample and a coated sample were also included in the investigation. To examine the influence of the nitrided zone on the performance of the coating-substrate composite, two different nitriding conditions - a conventional 25% N{sub 2} and an N{sub 2}-poor gas mixture - were used. The specimens were investigated with respect to their microhardness, surface roughness, scratch adhesion and dry sliding wear resistance. Wear tests in which the duplex-treated pins were mated to hardened ball bearing steel discs were performed in a pin-on-disc machine under dry sliding conditions. Metallography, scanning electron microscopy and profilometry were used to analyse the worn surfaces in order to determine the dominant friction and wear characteristics of the samples investigated. ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The influence of applied potential on the erosion-corrosion (E-C) behavior of AISI321 stainless steel in 10% H{sub 2}SO{sub 4}+15% corundum sand (60 mesh) acidic slurry was investigated using a modified slurry pot apparatus. The surface morphologies of E-C specimens at various applied potentials were observed by scanning electron microscopy. The results showed that cathodic protection could significantly decrease E-C rate, and the cathodic protection efficiency could be 73.6%. The influence of applied anodic potentials on the E-C behaviors could be classified as the following three types: A. The E-C rate increased sharply in region I (a little more positive than free-corrosion potential); B. The E-C rate decreased significantly in region II (stable passive region), and the anodic protection efficiency could be 64.5%; C. The E-C rate increased again in region III (transpassive region) because of intergranular corrosion. The appropriate potential range of anodic ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

In order to enhance the resistance to the pitting corrosion due to asepsis processes and to avoid structural fractures in dentistry drills, a plasma immersion ion implantation (PIII) treatment using nitrogen has been performed. The selected drill samples, made of AISI 434 based stainless steel with a 0.670 mm diameter, were treated at a -1kV bias between 350 C and 450 C, this temperature being controlled by both a 20-50 {mu}s pulse width and a 200-1000 Hz repetition rate in the bias. The drills were analysed by cyclic potentiodynamic tests showing a good pitting corrosion resistance when treated at around 400 C, as follows from a resulting very low hysteresis loop. Yet, the resistance appears somehow diminished by the presence of sputtering when processed at temperatures near 450 C. It is also found that the PIII nitriding effectiveness appears to be limited by the appearance of uniform corrosion. Finally, X-ray diffraction of the samples has revealed the presence ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The procedure and operation-by-operation methods of the quality control of structural and fuel materials, mixed fuel pellets of UO/sub 2/-PuO/sub 2/, fuel element cans made of the AISI-316 steel and ready fuel elements are described as well as spacer wires (steel AISI-316), cases of fuel assemblies (FA) and completed FAs. The methods are used in manifacturing fuel elements and FAs for the FFTF reactor. The RDT standards that regulate the structure and functioning of the system of fuel element and FA production management are outlined. Destructive analytical methods characterized by sufficient accuracy but low productivity are noted to represent a considerable share of operations. Some specialized means of nondestructive testing are developed, such as the gauge to measure the total plutonium content in a fuel element, neutron radiography deVice and a laser gauge to measure the FA dimensions. The experience gained served as a basis for designing ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The electrochemical behaviour of passive films formed on one austenitic stainless steel (AISI 304) and one ferritic stainless steel (AISI 446) in solutions with pH between 0.6 and 8.4 was studied by capacitance measurements and photocurrent spectroscopy. Compositional characterization of the passive films was done by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The capacitance increases with decreasing pH. Doping densities evaluated from Mott-Schottky plots are in the range 2-6 x 10"2"0 cm"-"3 and increased with the pH in the neutral/alkaline range while in pH 0.6, values above 10"2"1 cm"-"3 were found. The bandgap energy indicates two transitions, at 2.5-2.8 and 3.2 eV. The analytical data reveal that, as the pH increased, the films become enriched in Fe(II) and Fe(III), whereas the Cr(III) gradually decreases. The films formed at very low pH had a behaviour that contrasts with that of the films formed in the neutral/alkaline media. The films are ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Plasma nitriding is usually used for ferrous materials to improve their surface properties. Knowledge of the properties of thin surface layers is essential for designing engineering components with optimal wear performance. In our study, we investigated the microstructural, mechanical and tribological properties of plasma- and pulse plasma-nitrided AISI 4140 steel in comparison to hardened steel. The influence of nitriding case depth as well as the presence of a compound layer on its tribological behaviour was also examined. Plasma and pulse plasma nitriding were carried out using commercial nitriding processes. Nitrided samples were fully characterised, using metallographic, SEM microscopic, microhardness and profilometric techniques, before and after wear testing. Wear tests were performed on a pin-on-disc wear testing machine in which nitrided pins were mated to hardened ball bearing steel discs. The wear tests were carried out under dry conditions where ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A number of screening tests were performed to determine ion species that effectively reduce wear rates when implanted in four industrial steels. Ball bearing steel 100Cr6 (AISI 52100) showed a wear rate reduction by a factor of 20 when implanted with carbon dioxide to a dose of 5x10{sup 17} cm{sup -2} with a non-mass-separated ion beam and by a factor of {>=}20 when implanted with 5x10{sup 17} cm{sup -2} oxygen ions. For the ferritic and martensite steels X90CrMoV18 (AISI 440B, unhardened and hardened) also a strong wear reduction after implantation of oxygen ions was found. Co-implantation of aluminum and oxygen also reduces wear rates of X90CrMoV18, of S6-5-2 (AISI M2), and of 100Cr6, respectively. For comparison, thin oxide layers were grown in a low-temperature thermal oxidation process. These experiments also yielded reduced wear rates by a factor of 10. The surfaces were investigated and characterized by XPS, SIMS, ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Passive films formed on stainless steels in a borate buffer solution (pH 9.2) have been investigated by capacitance measurements and photoelectrochemistry. The study was carried out on films formed on AISI type 304 and 316 stainless steels and high purity alloys with differing chromium, nickel, and molybdenum contents. Complementary research by Auger analysis shows that the passive films are composed essentially of an inner chromium region in contact with the metallic substrate and an outer iron oxide region developed at the film/electrolyte interface. The semiconducting properties of the passive films are determined by those of the constituent chromium and iron oxides which are of p-type and n-type, respectively. Thus the influence of the alloying elements on the semiconducting properties of the passive films is explained by changes in the electronic structure of each of these two oxide regions.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

This work describes the ability of ion beam analysis techniques IBA to simultaneously determine the concentration and the possible depth profile of some light elements, such as carbon, oxygen and nitrogen, in matrices of high atomic number Z, such as stainless steel materials. In fact, the nitriding process of some materials has the potential to improve their tribological and mechanical properties and to offer various advantages as compared with other methods used in the modification of surfaces. Gas and Plasma nitriding were applied to certain types of steel, such as AISI-304 and H-13 which are commonly used in the industry, in order to improve their hardness and their surface corrosion resistance. The improvement was correlated with the depth profile of N and the consequent structure variations. More specifically, non-Rutherford elastic backscattering (alpha, alpha) at 5 MeV was performed on different samples, before and after nitriding, in order to determine the ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Briefly described is knowledge of crevice corrosion, corrosion cracking and denting. In evaluating the corrosion resistance of steam generator materials it is necessary to distinguish corrosion problems caused by the primary coolant side and by the secondary circuit side. At present tubes are manufactured of 7 austenitic alloys of a different chemical composition, and available information shows that views on their corrosion resistance differ. Greatest attention has been devoted to corrosion cracking in the presence of NaOH. Findings related to I-600, I-800, I-690 and AISI 316 are given. Corrodibility by sulfur-containing products is now being studied, namely the intercrystalline corrosion cracking caused by the presence of H/sub 2/S/sub 4/O/sub 6/. Knowledge gained in this respect is summed up.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Austenitic stainless steel AISI 304 has been nitrided by radio frequency (rf) plasma containing various nitrogen-hydrogen gas mixtures, in order to study the effect of hydrogen on structure and magnetic properties of the formed compound layer. The thermal temperature has been measured at the vicinity of the samples. The compound layer thus produced has been characterized using, X-ray diffractometer and vibration sample magnetometer. Providing the total pressure of nitrogen and hydrogen is held constant, the addition of hydrogen up to 50% gives new structural phases. The magnetization values of the plasma treated samples are strongly dependent on the percentage of H_2 in the gas phase. An excessive amount of hydrogen (#approx#75%) on the other hand, retards the nitriding process. The surface temperature of the sample and plasma condition is crucial factors for nitriding process.

Science.gov (United States)

Al2O3-based ceramic is one of the most widely used materials for tools employed in hardened steel turning applications due to its high hardness, wear resistance, heat resistance and chemical stability. The objective of this work is to predict the lives of Al2O3-(W, Ti)C ceramic tools in intermittent turning of hardened AISI 1045 steel by means of damage evolution model taking into account the mechanical loading and thermal effect in the cutting process. A damage evolution model analyzing the RVE with uniformly distributed interacting cracks is constructed based on micromechanics. The calculated results of the proposed damage evolution model are compared with the lives of two kinds of Al2O3-(W, Ti)C ceramic tools obtained through experiments. It is found that the proposed model can be used to predict the lives of the ceramic cutting tools in intermittent turning operation.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

In order to study the boundary conditions for the occurrence of ratcheting, a testing rig was erected. In this rig, small-scale mock-ups of the first wall were tested under mechanical conditions similar to those expected during disruptions. These mock-ups were made of stainless steel AISI 316. They were heated on the surface and water cooled from inside. Disruption forces were simulated by a high-speed hydraulic bending system by impact loads. The mock-ups were heated by a high-frequency generator and cooled by water through two cooling channels.In addition to the experimental work, simplified analytical analysis and numerical calculations were carried out using the finite element program ABAQUS. In these calculations, the temperature and stress fields in the mock-ups were investigated and the influence of the different constitutive equations was studied.The experimental results confirm the ratcheting behaviour predicted by the calculations. It has been ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Passive films, formed on annealed and cold worked AISI 304 stainless steel in hot chloride media, were examined using polarization resistance and impedance measurements. The obtained results show the influence of cold work on film conductivity, which can be correlated to conditions of susceptibility to stress corrosion cracking. Capacitance measurements, using the Mott-Schottky approach, revealed that a change from n to p type semi-conductivity is associated to susceptible conditions with an increase in the doping density estimated for cold worked samples in the presence of chloride. It is assumed that p-type semi-conductivity of the passive film together with the position of the flat band potential has a strong influence on the dissolution processes at the corrosion potential. Based on this analysis the influence of plastic deformation, at the dislocation scale, is discussed. (authors)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Direct current (DC) glow discharge plasma nitriding was carried out on three selected surface-roughened AISI 304 stainless steel samples at 833 K under 4 mbar pressures for 24 h in the presence of N{sub 2}:H{sub 2} gas mixtures of 50 : 50 ratios. After plasma nitriding, the phase formation, case depth, surface roughness, and microhardness of a plasma-nitrided layer were evaluated by glancing angle x-ray diffractogram, optical microscope, stylus profilometer, and Vickers microhardness tester techniques. The case depth, surface hardness, and phase formation variations were observed with a variation in initial surface roughness. The diffraction patterns of the plasma-nitrided samples showed the modified intensities of the {alpha} and {gamma} phases along with those of the CrN, Fe{sub 4}N, and Fe{sub 3}N phases. Hardness and case depth variations were observed with a variation in surface roughness. A maximum hardness of 1058 Hv and a case depth of 95 {mu}m were ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Notched and smooth cylindrical plasma nitrided (PN) and quench and tempered (Q and T) steel specimens made of a B-Mn SS2131 ({approx}AISI 15B21H) steel have been exposed to constant amplitude plane reversed bending corrosion fatigue tests (R = -1) at 47 Hz in sea water. S - N curves show that sea water suppresses the fatigue limit and reduces fatigue strength (especially at long lives) of smooth and notched Q and T and PN specimens. Plasma nitriding improves the corrosion fatigue resistance of Q and T specimens; this is associated with the good corrosion resistance of {epsilon} and {gamma}`-phases, the enhancement of corrosion and fatigue by compressive residual stresses, and the consumption of H{sup +} ions during reduction of nitrogen. This improvement is more significant for smooth specimens and for long lives. Notch sensitivity of Q and T and PN specimens decreases with fatigue life. Pitting corrosion, cyclic applied stress and residual stresses due to plasma ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A series of experiments have been conducted on AISI 5140 low alloy steel using a hollow cathode discharge-assisted plasma nitriding apparatus with the aim of elucidating the role of substrate bias voltages in plasma nitriding process. For comparison, some samples were nitrided with applied substrate bias (-50 V) while other samples were nitrided at floating potential. Treatments were carried out in NH_3 atmosphere of 150 Pa at temperatures ranging from 450 "oC to 550 "oC for 2 h, 4 h, and 6 h. The nitrided samples were characterized by optical microscopy, X-ray diffraction and micro-hardness measurement. The corrosion behaviors were evaluated using anodic polarization tests in 3.5% NaCl solution. The results showed that the microstructure and phase constituents of the nitride layers were strongly influenced by the bias voltages. It was also demonstrated that the better corrosion resistance with a thicker nitrided layer was obtained on the biased sample.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A series of plasma nitriding experiments has been conducted on AISI 304L austenitic stainless steel at temperatures ranging from 375 to 475 C using pulsed-DC plasma with different pulse duty cycles, N{sub 2}-H{sub 2} gas mixtures and treatment times. It is shown that a wide range of treatment parameters exist that allow the formation of the S-phase. The formation and growth of this surface layer depend strongly on the treatment parameters, such as nitrogen partial pressure and duty cycle. Within the parameter range investigated, the layer growth appears to be diffusion controlled with an activation energy about 107 kJ/mol. The formation of CrN precipitates during plasma nitriding is not accompanied by the formation of bcc iron, which might be expected due to the loss of free chromium. However, the S-phase transforms into CrN and bcc iron following a heat treatment at 450 C or higher for 25 h. The wear rate after plasma nitriding is greatly reduced compared with the ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Semiconducting properties of passive films formed on AISI 304 stainless steel grade were investigated by capacitances measurements in chloride containing aqueous solutions for different surface finishes: BA (bright annealing in hydrogen containing atmospheres) and 2B (standard annealing in oxidising atmospheres followed by pickling in acid, then water rinsing). Mott-Schottky analysis shows that for high enough electrode potential, and whatever the surface finish, the films behave like n-type semiconductors. 2B passive film appears to be more donor-doped than BA one and the density of donor states increases with chloride concentration. The electron donor levels are assumed to be generated by negatively charged cations vacancies produced by the chloride ions reaction with the outer passive film. This reaction looks easier for 2B than BA condition, which explains why BA resists better than 2B to pit nucleation.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The carbon transfer has been analyzed in the Alloy 800/sodium/stainless steel system by determining the carbon-uptake of Alloy 800 foils, which were exposed in liquid sodium of known carburizing potential. Under equilibrium condistions between 650 and 550_0C the measured total carbon concentrations in the Alloy 800 tabs were found to be roughly related to the carbon activities of the sodium environment by the equation already stated for the 18 Cr-8/10 Ni stainless steels, extrapolated to the chemical composition of the Ni-rich austenitic alloy. However the Alloy 800 was not found to undergo any decarburization in low-carbon activity environments. The carbon diffusion kinetics was determined as a function of temperature, it was found to be similar to that reported for the AISI-304 type of steel. The effects of sodium exposure on microstructural and mechanical properties of several Alloy 800 heats were examined at 550_0C as a function of the active carbon ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The ion nitriding treatment is a process widely used in steel alloys to improve the material's properties; such as surface hardness, resistance to wear, fatigue life and resistance to corrosion. But geometric changes in the components can produce during the nitriding process different effects on the behavior of the plasma, such as local variations in the electric field, an empty cathode effect, etc. These in turn can affect among other factors the local temperature and therefore the kinetics of the process, generating variations in the compound layer thicknesses and zone of diffusion, and micro-hardness profile. These heterogeneities limit the effectiveness of the plasma nitriding process, where control and duplication of the surface modification are most important. This work aims to study the effect of the geometry of the pieces treated with ionic nitriding, especially the effect of the orifices. An understanding of the operating mechanisms is sought in order to predict the ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This study attempts to elucidate some of the effects of adding argon, neon and hydrogen to low pressure thermionically supported discharges used for plasma nitriding AISI M2 steel substrates. Four runs were performed at the same substrate temperature (550 C) and bias voltage (500 V), using the following gas mixtures: 8% N{sub 2} in Ar, 8% N{sub 2} in Ne, N{sub 2}+H{sub 2} in equal proportions, and N{sub 2} only. By careful control of the discharge parameters, most of the bombardment energy was transported to the substrates by 500 eV ions in all cases; these were mainly Ar{sup +} ions in the N{sub 2}+Ar run and N{sub 2}{sup +} ions in the other runs, notably by the action of Penning ionization in the N{sub 2}+Ne run. We found that the surface hardness was not significantly influenced by the type of ion delivering the bombardment energy, although we suggest that ions would need sufficient mass to cause (for example) sputtering, if the substrate is susceptible to ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

By magnetron sputtering model steel films with specific properties can be prepared for purposive surveys. By changing the deposition parameters certain properties of these films can be influenced. For this thesis steel films with 18% Cr and 8% Ni have been prepared in order to study specific parameters on the corrosion resistance of bulk stainless steel. Chemical composition, microstructure, and surface morphology of these films have been characterized. In comparison to bulk steel sheets with the same chemical composition they have a smaller grain size and a ferritic structure. In contrast to bulk steel sheets they don`t contain any nonmetallic inclusions like Mn-sulfides. The influence of these structural differences on the corrosion resistance has been studied. For this purpose the electrochemical properties of the sputter-deposited steels have been compared with the properties of steel sheets with a similar chemical composition (DIN 1.4301, AISI 304) in neutral ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Nitrogen has been added to stainless steels to improve mechanical strength and corrosion resistance. High nitrogen steel production is limited by high gas pressure requirements and low nitrogen solubility in the melt. One way to overcome this limitation is the addition of nitrogen in solid state because of its higher solubility in austenite. However, gas and salt bath nitriding have been done at temperatures around 550 C, where nitrogen solubility in the steel is still very low. High temperature nitriding has been, thus proposed to increase nitrogen contents in the steel but the presence of oxide layers on top of the steel is a barrier to nitrogen intake. In this paper a modified plasma nitriding process is proposed. The first step of this process is a hydrogen plasma sputtering for oxide removal, exposing active steel surface improving nitrogen pickup. This is followed by a nitriding step where high nitrogen contents are introduced in the outermost layer of the steel. Diffusion ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

ASME Subcommittee 2 on materials presented a series of questions to PVRC regarding the acceptability of using the criteria of ASME Section 2, Part D, Appendix 1 for extending design limits for AISI 304 stainless steel beyond 1,500 F to 2,000 F and Alloy 800 HT from 1,650 F to 1,800 F respectively. This paper describes a project supported by PVRC to try and find an answer to this question. The project consisted of three parts. The first was a survey to determine the intent behind the wording of the ASME criteria in order to make an extrapolation of methods for setting design limits to higher temperatures. The second was a demonstration of a methodology for developing very high temperature limits, using a set of creep data for Alloy 800 HT. The third was a parametric study to evaluate the feasibility of using the minimum creep rate based deformation criterion used in the ASME Code to set strain related limits on materials showing predominantly tertiary creep. Based ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This report describes work accomplished in the project, titled ''Development of Appropriate Resistance Spot Welding Practice for Transformation-Hardened Steels.'' The Phase 1 of the program involved development of in-situ temper diagrams for two gauges of representative dual-phase and martensitic grades of steels. The results showed that tempering is an effective way of reducing hold-time sensitivity (HTS) in hardenable high-strength sheet steels. In Phase 2, post-weld cooling rate techniques, incorporating tempering, were evaluated to reduce HTS for the same four steels. Three alternative methods, viz., post-heating, downsloping, and spike tempering, for HTS reduction were investigated. Downsloping was selected for detailed additional study, as it appeared to be the most promising of the cooling rate control methods. The downsloping maps for each of the candidate steels were used to locate the conditions necessary for the peak response. Three ...